Matucana Cactus
Matucana madisoniorum · Native to Peru
A smooth, rounded Andean cactus grown for its sculptural body and remarkable, fiery tubular blooms. Compact, easygoing, and a favorite among collectors.
Available in 4½ inchCare
Light
Thrives in bright light, preferring a little protection from the most intense midday sun. A bright windowsill is ideal.
Water
Water when the soil has dried out completely, allowing for good airflow and drainage. Like most cacti, it dislikes staying wet.
Soil & Feeding
Use a well-draining cactus soil, and fertilize monthly during the growing season to encourage flowering.
Quick Tip
A cool, dry rest in winter helps mature plants produce their spectacular blooms.
Details
This cactus is known for its rounded, sculptural body and its ability to produce large, vibrant blooms under the right conditions.
- ✅ Known for stunning, showy flowers
- ✅ Compact and sculptural form
- ✅ Excellent for cactus collectors
Size
Available in a 4½ inch pot — a great starter size that’s easy to place on a windowsill, desk, or shelf, and simple to repot as it grows.
Good to Know
⚠️ Mildly toxic and spiny — handle carefully and keep away from pets and children.
Plant Bio
Matucana madisoniorum
Matucana cacti come from the mountains and dry valleys of Peru, and this species — Matucana madisoniorum — is one of the most popular in the genus. The name comes from the town of Matucana in the Peruvian Andes, near where many of these cacti grow.
It forms a smooth, rounded, grey-green body that is nearly spineless when young, sometimes developing just a few dark, curving spines with age. Its real claim to fame is the flowers: long, slender, tubular blooms in brilliant orange-red that seem oversized for such a tidy little plant.
It stays compact and globe-shaped for years, occasionally offsetting, which makes it an easy fit for pots and collections.
As an Andean cactus it likes bright light, sharp drainage, and a careful hand with water — a dry winter rest helps trigger that spectacular flowering.
How is it different from other barrel-type cacti?
- It’s often nearly spineless, with a smooth body rather than the dense spines of typical barrel cacti.
- Its long, tubular orange-red flowers are unusually large and showy for the plant’s size.
- It hails from the Peruvian Andes rather than the deserts of Mexico or the US Southwest.
Note: Considered mildly toxic if ingested and may have spines. Handle with care and keep out of reach of pets and children. Grown for ornamental purposes and not intended for consumption.